City would be in the top 6 if not for the entire squad. It could also be argued that City would be in the relegation places if not for the entire squad. We’re only a couple of wins away from the playoffs. As we know ourselves it’s better to gatecrash the playoffs late than to be in them all season.
The last time we made the Championship playoffs we had a top keeper, Basso. Think, with our March fixtures, we'll be out of contention by the end of the month.
Basso was a good keeper at this level, I wouldn’t say he was a top keeper though, tbh. He didn’t kick on after leaving us, as I’d expect a top player to do. Although he was in his early 30s with us, so perhaps those were his peak years.
Supcon Basso was definitely the best Championship keeper we've had. But that's what we need a top Championship keeper........SHOULD we ever make the Premiership we then upgrade again. Carragher said it and he's spot on 'WHICHEVER league you play in a top keeper is essential'. With O'leary we'll only ever tread water.
Surely if it was as simple as that everyone would want a top keeper, they’d be more expensive than strikers for instance?, that’s not the case though is it?
They have top players, full stop, the keeper is a similar level to his team mates imo, strikers are the most expensive and command the highest wages, there’s a reason for that, I’m sorry but keepers don’t, and likewise there’s also a reason for that.
Ashton, it's like pulling teeth when discussing football. Eg - Gary or Phil Neville, internationals who played for Man Utd. Decent players. Steve Bruce, Pallister the same. Peter Schmeichel was on a another planet. It was the same but a different level when we had Boom Boom etc Basso was on a different level. Ps It works the other way...... The best side never to win the European Cup, Leeds Utd, all down to Gary Sprake. He was ok but on a level nowhere close to Giles, Bremner, Charlton, Hunter, Eddie Gray etc
Absolutely Gary Sprake was embarrassing at times Harvey was better when he came along but the ‘dirty Leeds’ heyday had peaked by then
I understand what you’re saying, I’m just respectfully disagreeing. Imo whilst the keeper needs to be decent, at our level especially , I believe it’s the level of the entire squad that’s more important. I’m not being obtuse just explaining my rationale. I don’t remember Cashley being a world beater either, but a competent keeper, yes.
They don’t need to, but watch the likes of Ederson at Man City He can do nothing for 90 minutes and pull off an amazing save stone cold
Now that's a true sign of a great goalkeeper Angelic and I have seen a lot of the best which was always a pleasurable experience.
You might i wouldnt. Olearys a problem. Big mistakes this season too many and dodgy distribution which has also been proper dodgy.
I meant that without Max we could be in a better position but only if his replacement was better. A replacement might easily be worse. Our league position isn’t simply down to one player.
Exactly, if it was as easy as having a quality keeper, all teams would prioritise them, they would be the most expensive position to fill. They don’t and they aren’t. Strikers that score are the dearest and command the highest salaries, of course you also need a good squad to provide the ammunition, and the best management/coaches as well. It’s about getting a balance.
